New U.S. Tariffs Stir Uncertainty in the Global Automotive Industry

In early April, President Donald Trump announced a new 25% tariff on imports of cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. This addition follows previous tariffs on steel and aluminum that have already impacted Europe and Asia. Trump has indicated that these tariffs may increase further after one year.

The tariffs will not be immediately applied, allowing companies time to shift production to the United States. Trump clarified that factories operating within the country will be exempt from these taxes. The official tariff announcement could coincide with the completion of a study on fiscal and trade policies from other nations on April 2.

The automotive industry, particularly European manufacturers like Volkswagen and Asian companies such as Hyundai, will face significant challenges due to the new tariffs. Bloomberg reports that last year, the U.S. imported about 8 million vehicles, making up nearly half of the country’s car sales.

However, the specifics of the tariffs remain unclear. It is uncertain whether they will target specific countries or apply to all imports. There is also confusion about whether cars manufactured in Mexico and Canada under free trade agreements will be exempt from these taxes, which has added to market anxiety.

Asian markets have responded negatively, reflecting concerns over the broader impact of Trump’s trade war, which appears to be extending beyond China to affect other Asian nations. Countries like Mexico and South Korea, which rely heavily on automobile exports, could be particularly harmed.

The semiconductor sector will also face consequences, with Malaysia and Singapore being especially vulnerable. Malaysia, the world’s sixth-largest chip exporter, reached record export numbers in 2024, while Singapore recently made a significant investment in the sector.

Japanese car manufacturers, whose main export market is the U.S., are also voicing concerns. A 25% tariff could significantly reduce profits for companies like Toyota and Honda. Experts and industry groups warn that these tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers and increased production costs for manufacturers. In response, several countries have hinted at potential retaliatory measures against U.S. products.